Anything that makes us lose our logical mind can easily be said to be a threat to ourselves. And in recent days, the biggest threat to people’s loss of self-restraint for their good is drugs and abuse. Surveys show that almost five percent of the world’s adult population use drugs, among which many suffer from addiction.
Drugs have drastic effects on both our physical and mental health. If someone has been using drugs for a long time and regularly, suddenly stopping or cutting down on the amount of intake can cause various withdrawal symptoms.
Our body works on homeostasis, which breaks when someone starts taking drugs and outside substances regularly. So, our body builds the balance around it and becomes dependable on it, which causes a disbalance again during withdrawal. In some minor cases, it can cause discomfort, but it is potentially dangerous in most. While symptoms of withdrawls from drugs vary on the dosage and type of drug the person has been using, the common symptoms are –
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Changes in food habits and appetites
- Running nose
- Tremors
- Shaky hands or feets
- Muscle pain
- Congestion (stuffiness in the breathing system)
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
It can also cause seizures and delirium (confused mind and reduced awareness) in severe cases.
While one gets cured of the physical effects in a few days or weeks, the psychological effects of withdrawal like depression and dysphoria take time and constant expert help.
Different drugs and other substances can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some of them are –
- Anti-depressants
- Depressants
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Cannabis
- Barbituates
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Oxycontin
- Heroin
- Alcohol
The time frame of the withdrawal effects varies due to their different effects on the body. It also depends on the dosage and whether it is for any pre-existing situations.
While with some addictions, people can stop and cope with the effects on their own. But that is not possible for heavier substances. Treatment of drug withdrawal needs medication, support, and care. And not only from professional doctors and therapists but from family and friends. The patients require a support system that will provide comfort and strength while recovering from the psychological effects.
Apart from these, eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising are musts during coping with withdrawal.
Drugs are addictive and destructive. It can hamper your life in drastic measures, taking away far more than you can bargain for. We should always give our best to stay on the right path and not throw away all we have and aspire.
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